Reduce work hours from morning sickness?

[hello_world2]

Hi all,

I’m 8+2 weeks pregnant and I’ve had bad morning sickness since I found out at 5 weeks. I’m on Cyclizine which helps take the edge off, but I still feel bad most mornings and evenings. I work from home, but I haven’t been able to complete a full 8-hr workday with the morning sickness, since looking at screens too long makes the nausea worse. I’d like to talk to my manager about only working half days for a few weeks until this phase passes, but I feel kind of pathetic asking for this since I already work from home. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice welcome!

[Pasaeoco01]

I guess whether you wfh or head to the office the sickness is still the same so that’s not really a factor I’d say,Yes you’re prob more comfortable wfh but the sickness is still the same wherever you are.

I think an open and honest conversation with your boss is prob the best way forward. Explain his you’re feeling snd that you want to be as productive as you can but it is very difficult atm. If they agree they’d prob do this as a flexible working arrangement.

Just playing devils advocate here…what will you do if you’re not working? Trying to rest when you have nausea and or sickness would potentially mean you’re more focused on it snd feeling worse.

In many cases distractions such as work are a good strategy.

You know your own body though, hopefully your boss will be understanding. Good luck, feel better soon xx

[Pasaeoco01 in reply to Pasaeoco01]

In hindsight was just thinking wfh might be worse in some ways although I know it is the current guidance if you can.I was getting the train daily with my second snd whilst I hated it when I got to the office setting the team and chatting with others was a great distraction.

Really hope you find a solution soon snd the sickness eases xx

[LittleOranges]

I’m also struggling with sickness and work from home, staring at screens makes it worse too! I’m working through the nausea though. I just tell my boss most days when I’m feeling unwell and she says to take it easy, and if it’s really bad I ask her if it’s alright if I come away from the computer for a few hours. I don’t know what your work is like, but going part time for a few weeks sounds like more hassle than it is worth. Your request might have to go through HR to reduce your hours, and then to reduce your pay, and by the time it’s all gone through, you might find your sickness has eased off, and then have the hassle of switching back to full time again! I’d say take it day by day and just be honest with your boss about how you’re feeling. It depends what kind of relationship you have, I’m very lucky that my boss feels like a friend so hopefully it’s the same for you

[LittleOranges in reply to LittleOranges]

Oh and you might find that your work sickness policy is more lenient for those who are pregnant!

[Fluffy21]

Personally I would take sick leave rather than go part time as it could reduce your maternity pay. If you need to know your rights and weigh up options speak to the CAB. Iv been so sick and nauseous that there’s no way I could have worked for the first trimester. I really hope your feeling better soon as it is horrible x

[LB1234]

I'd definitely try and keep it informal like the ladies above have suggested - although working half days could work for you now, you never know how long it'll last or if the routine will change and you'll start to feel worse at a different time of day, etc.

My work were really good and I just took earlier breaks or longer lunches - my sickness wasn't as bad as yours sounds though so that may not be enough for you.

I know at my work, any formal requests for changes to working hours need to go through HR, they have up to 3 months to consider the request and respond. And you are only allowed to make one request every year. So I'd try to avoid that if possible.

When you tell work, they need to do a risk assessment so you may be able to use that to get any additional support / flex if your boss isn't as accomodating. Good luck and I hope it passes soon for you!

[FlyerFlower777]

Hi. I hope you’re doing ok ….but it seems like me, you’re in nausea hell. I hit reply because I wanted to say a little something about ‘guilt’ and working.. and putting you, first.

I’m 43, this is my first baby and I’m 14+1.

I’m a career girl, always have been. Totally dedicated. Big corporate job, international travel, lots of pressure and responsibilities. I have/had HG. It is a living hell. Cyclizine takes the edge off sometimes but every minute, every hour of the day, a total struggle. After struggling through a week long work trip to Dubai mid Nov, I called my a doctor. I muddled on for a few more days, then finally her message sunk in. You are to prioritise yourself and the baby. She signed me off for 4 weeks. It was the BEST thing. I rested, rested, rested. My weakness has eased, strength recovered. I’m ready to go back in Jan.

My lesson is never underestimating the power of good rest. I know you may want to hang on in there and not burden your Manager or business etc as I didn’t (the guilt etc) But you are ALWAYS the priority and more so now with baby. Think about a proper rest even if only for a couple of weeks. I promise you it will make a world of difference to you and baby.

Finally, I really hope your sickness eases. People kept telling me it would but I was so rough I didn’t believe them. Now it has. It’s good days and bad days but much less debilitating than some weeks ago…

Good luck, prioritise you and baby, I hope you can make the best decision for you both xx